MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust
Titanium is just one of the things coming from MagnaFlow [(949) 858-5900; www.magnaflow.com], as in a lightweight, straight-through, high-dollar system for GTs in early 2004. In the meantime, new stainless steel systems are available for '02-'03 SVT Foci and '00-'03 ZX3s, ZX5s, and sedans, all with a 4-inch polished tip and about a 5hp gain. Also available are Tru-X X-pipes in 2.25-, 2.50-, and 3-inch diameters. These are used as X-pipes and inside MagnaFlow's mufflers, including the new Lightning/Harley Davidson stainless system that gives a 16.6hp gain on Lightnings, according to MagnaFlow.
Mahle Motorsport
We found Lee Morse, late of Ford SVO (nee FRPP), in the Mahle [(888) 255-1942; www.us.mahle.com] booth. High-dollar, high-quality pistons are what Mahle is all about. A German company with OEM roots in Porsche and so on, Mahle's North American arm in Fletcher, North Carolina, is an aftermarket-only piston specialist. In fact, it is the OEM supplier for the Ford GT pistons. The company offers Ford small-block and modular pistons in all dish, dome, and valve-relief combinations. All pistons are coated for durability and performance, including an overall phosphate coating to counter pin-bore galling and ring micro-welding, hence the dark color. Mahle uses lightweight 1.5x1.5x3mm ring packages, and makes its own rings, pins, and pistons. Typically they weigh 30 to 40 grams less than the competition, Lee says, and with rings, pins, and clips retail for $599 per set.
Meziere
The electric water pump special-ists at Meziere [(800) 208-1755; www.meziere.com] have the small-block world covered already, so they filled out their line this year with two new pumps for 460s. Each in the $400 range, the pumps fit different front-engine dress arrangements. There is also a new water outlet suitable for small-blocks at around $60. A billet-aluminum and O-ring part, its main claim is it matches the color and anodizing of the Meziere pumps for a cleaner look.
Mickey Thompson
You knew it was coming sooner or later, and Mickey Thompson [(330) 928-9092; www.mickeythompsontires.com] finally decided to go after the highly competitive drag radial market with its new ET Street Radial. This DOT-approved tire is said to maintain good street manners while providing excellent traction. It will soon be available in eight sizes, including 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters.
Moroso
Fords are gaining a higher pro-file at Moroso [(203) 453-6571; www.moroso.com]. The company has several new Ford part numbers, but the most significant additions were a pack of new oil pans, including parts for early and late small-blocks as well as 4.6 and 5.4 modulars.
Mr. Gasket
Aftermarket giant Mr. Gasket [(216) 688-8300; www.mrgasket.com] had an enormous number of new products on display at SEMA, but its Lakewood division scored the most hits, offering some trick, easily adjustable upper control arms for '79-'03 Mustangs. They can be adjusted with one wrench, and you don't have to remove them. Lakewood also has a smart clutch fork boot for its line of scattershields. This boot keeps out the dirt and moisture without obstruction clutch operation. Right now it's only available for Brand-C applications.
MSD Ignition
Those tired of hunting around the basement of their race cars for rpm chips they dropped will appreciate MSD Ignition's [(915) 857-5200; www.msdignition.com] new digital window switch. Plugging in the on or off rpm is as simple as pushing a button. This spring, also look for a line of alternators from MSD. Available in 105/130/160-amp outputs and direct plug-in or one-wire configurations, the alternators will retail in the $300-$350 range. The ignition giant also showed off a laptop programmable launch boost controller, which should find favor with turbocharged Mustang racers.